Canary Islands Vintners Fight Back Against Phylloxera

A dreaded vineyard pest is threatening 500 years of traditional viticulture in the Canary Islands. Grape-growers recently discovered the first-ever confirmed cases of phylloxera on the volcanic archipelago. Vineyards in three towns on Tenerife, the largest and most populous of the islands, tested positive for the root louse, leaving winemakers and officials on edge as a response is organized.

- Greg Warner

Located off the coast of Morocco and politically a part of Spain, the islands are known for uncommon grape varieties grown in historical methods such as cordón trenzado, where branches are braided together and grown horizontally. The vines grow on their own roots, which leaves them particularly susceptible to the deadly insect. However, the Canaries' volcanic soils, as well as the rapid response from the winemaking community and government, may offer reasons f